A/N

I've decided that for the next week, instead of just randomly posting 2 more chapters, I'm going to post a chapter whenever I finish writing another one.

Yunho waited outside the door to the meeting room, waiting for the Prince to be finished talking to his father. He couldn't help but feel slightly frustrated at the King for coming back abruptly. He knows how much Hongjoong wants to be good for his father, wants to make him proud, and with that comes a lot of pressure on the Crown Prince's shoulders. As Hongjoong's personal Knight, it is his job to protect the Prince, from any danger. Lately though, the only danger has been the high standards he set for himself due to the pressure from his father. Yunho despises the man, not that he could ever say that out loud, he values his life over his hatred for Hongjoong's father. He waits patiently outside the door, until there a noise and it opens, Hongjoong stepping out. Hongjoong glances at Yunho and knows the other boy is worried about him, anxious waiting to see if Hongjoong is ok. He quickly gives his guard a small smile to show that he's ok, which is true he guesses. The smile doesn't reassure Yunho, as he can tell from the look in his eyes that the Crown Prince is exhausted and just wants to rest.

"Let's get you back to your room your Highness," Yunho said gently, placing his hand on the small of his back to guide him. Hongjoong was thankful that Yunho was there to guide him, as he was exhausted both mentally and physically. The King was supposed to be gone for two weeks, but he's come back a week early and Hongjoong had been hoping he'd get more time to relax, but now he can't. He needs to get a good rest so he will be able to continue his duties and impress his father tomorrow. When they got outside his room, Yunho stopped and turned to the Prince.

"Are you going to be ok Hongjoong," he asked quietly.

"I'll be fine. I want Seonghwa to stay with me tonight though," Hongjoong replied, looking up at the taller boy. Yunho nodded in understanding.

"I will keep guard, you just get some rest," Yunho said. Hongjoong is thankful that he has Yunho, someone who will always do everything he can to help him be comfortable and looked after.

"Thank you Yunho," Hongjoong said, patting his shoulder softly. He turned to the door and opened it, walking inside his room. Seonghwa looked up as soon as the door opened, seeing Hongjoong walked through the door. He sat up quickly on the bed, nervously watching the Crown Prince as he could see how exhausted he looked. Hongjoong's eyes met Seonghwa and he felt relief at seeing his closest friend on his bed. He walked over quickly and dropped onto his bed, wrapping his arms around Seonghwa's waist and resting his head against his shoulder. Seonghwa frowned and glanced at the door in worry, but he could tell Hongjoong needed the comfort. He pulled the slightly younger into his arms and rubbed his back gently. Hongjoong let out a breath and hugged him tighter trying hard to hold his feelings in.

"What's wrong? What did your father say," Seonghwa asked quietly, moving his hair to card through Hongjoong's hair. He can tell there is something bothering Hongjoong and he has no doubt it's got something to do with the meeting he just had with the king.

"There's been a problem," Hongjoong whispered.

"What problem," Seonghwa asked quickly. Hongjoong knows he isn't allowed to talk about what happens in that room with anyone, especial not a servant but he trusts Seonghwa with his life.

"Word has it that Balhae is planning something. Father wants us to be preparing for a possible war soon," Hongjoong whispered. Seonghwa tensed and his eyes went wide at the words and he instantly pulled Hongjoong closer in his arms. Hongjoong is the Crown Prince, he doesn't have the privilege of being able to be emotional, to let out his emotions when he needs it.

"It's going to be ok," Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong's head shook and his breathing picked up slightly.

"Is Yunho patrolling," Seonghwa asked quickly and Hongjoong nodded mutely. Seonghwa shuffled back and sat, resting against the headboard of the large bed. He pulled the Prince up against his side and hugged him tightly. Hongjoong's breathing continued to be erratic and Seonghwa could tell he was beginning to panic. Hongjoong tried to take a deep breath, but he couldn't. If a war starts, it will cause chaos, he won't be able to protect those he holds dear to his heart and there will be even more pressure on him. His eyes welled up with tears but he desperately tried to hold them back, not wanting to show weakness. His father always said never to cry as it was the worst sign of weakness and Princes don't cry.

"It's ok Joong. It's just me, you can let it out," Seonghwa said softly, knowing that Hongjoong was trying not to cry. Hongjoong let out a dry sob and shook his head quickly. It hurt Seonghwa's heart to hear the pain in the young Prince's voice.

"You can cry if you need to Hongjoong," he said, rubbing the back of his neck lightly. Hongjoong shook his head once again and clenched his hand in Seonghwa's shirt to try and ground himself.

"Do you want me to go and get Yeosang," he asked worriedly. Hongjoong shook his head quickly, not wanting his little brother to see him like this.

"You can't bottle it up Hongjoong, you need to let it out. I know I'm just a servant bu-."

"D-Don't say that. Please don't say th-that. You're not just a s-servant, not to me. N-Never to me," Hongjoong gasped out, holding Seonghwa tightly. He never wants Seonghwa to think he's just a servant to him. Seonghwa should know that he's more than that to him, more than that to Yeosang and the other's as well. He could feel the tears pushing at his eyes, the sobs bubbling in his throat.

"It's ok Hongjoong, I'm here. You can let it out," Seonghwa said, desperately hoping the Prince would let out some of the stress and frustration he always seems to be holding in. The words from Seonghwa and the gentle way he was holding him made it all finally overflow. The tears started to fall no matter how hard he tried to stop them and he turned his head to hide it in Seonghwa's shoulder as he begun to sob. Seonghwa quickly tightened his hold on Hongjoong as he continued to cry. Seonghwa hates it when Hongjoong cries, but he knows he needs to be there to hold him because he needs a pillar to lean on.

"Joong, is it ok if I pull you onto my lap? Are you comfortable with that," he asked Hongjoong softly. Hongjoong smiled despite his tears, his heart warming slightly at how kind the older boy was. He nodded quickly, wanting nothing more than to be encased in a comforting warmth. Seonghwa quickly pulled the Prince into his lap watching as he curled up into a little ball and rested his head on his chest, still sniffling and crying. The younger looked so small and vulnerable in his lap and despite knowing Hongjoong could fight a hundred times better than him, he found himself vowing that he would fight to keep him safe and happy. There was a gentle knock on the door and the two boys froze, Hongjoong sitting up slightly and tightening his grip on Seonghwa's shoulders. Hongjoong heartrate quickened more, this time in worry for Seonghwa. He took a deep breath to calm his tears and make sure his voice wouldn't give away that he was crying.

"Who is it," Hongjoong called out. He moved his hand up slightly and gently covered Seonghwa's mouth. Seonghwa slowed his breathing, trying not to make any noise at all. Hongjoong came up here to go to sleep for the night, even just being in the room now might not end well for him.

"It's Wooyoung, your Highness," a gentle voice called out. Seonghwa glanced down at Hongjoong, unsure how he wanted to proceed with the younger boy outside. Hongjoong frowned slightly, glancing towards the doorway. He isn't sure why Wooyoung would be coming to his room right now, but he is someone he cares about and one of the few people he's close to and comfortable with.

"Come in Wooyoung," he called out softly. The door handle turned and the door opened slightly, Wooyoung walking in. He could immediately tell that Hongjoong had been upset and crying and he felt bad for interrupting when it's clear Seonghwa was comforting him, but Yeosang was worried for him and asked Wooyoung to check up on his older brother. Wooyoung quickly stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

"I'm sorry your Highness, I didn't mean to interrupt. I just wanted to come and check on you," Wooyoung said quietly.

"If he calls me your Highness again, I'm going to throw a fit. Now come here Youngie," Hongjoong said, waving the younger over. Wooyoung bit his lip nervously but shuffled over to the bed. Seonghwa let go of Hongjoong so he could slip off his lap and sit next to him. Wooyoung crawled over to sit on the other side of Hongjoong. Hongjoong quickly held out his arm and Wooyoung slid underneath it, cuddling up to his side.

"I don't want to overstep; I just came to check on you. If you want me to go, I can go," Wooyoung said shifting slightly. He knows how close Hongjoong and Seonghwa are and knows Seonghwa is the best to help him when he's upset about something.

"If I didn't want you here, I wouldn't have let you in," Hongjoong said with a sigh, pulling Wooyoung closer to him and resting his head on Seonghwa's shoulder.

"Now if seeing me cry is going to make you uncomfortable, then you can go," Hongjoong said. Wooyoung immediately frowned and shook his head, unhappy at what Hongjoong was insinuating. If his friend is upset, he's going to stay with them and try to cheer them up.

"It's ok Hongjoong, I'm not going to go anywhere. You're like a big brother to me and lord knows you've looked after me when I've been upset many times. I'm going to look after you when you're upset," Wooyoung said firmly, moving closer to tuck his head on Hongjoong's shoulder. His words are enough to make Hongjoong start crying once again, although a lot calmer and quieter. He isn't sobbing, just crying quietly as the two other boys hug him tightly.

"It's ok Hongjoong, you're ok. We're here for you," Wooyoung said softly, nuzzling his head further into his neck. Seonghwa nodded and squeezed the Prince's shoulder softly. Hongjoong whimpered and curled up slightly, turning his head closer to Wooyoung. Wooyoung lifted his hand and ran it gently through Hongjoong's hair, trying to give him some comfort. He can't even count on one hand the amount of times he has seen the Crown Prince cry and knows that it's only when he's around a few select people that he trusts that he will willing let his guard down. He wonders what it is that the King did or said to Hongjoong that upset him this much. Yeosang had asked Wooyoung to check in on him, but Wooyoung didn't expect the older to be as upset as he is right now. Hongjoong's breathing started to speed up and Seonghwa immediately picked up on him, curling closer to him.

"It's alright Joong, just take some deep breaths for me," he said gently. Hongjoong tried his best to listen to Seonghwa, trying not to get more worked up than he already was. It's bad enough that he's crying, but he doesn't need to make it even worse. Wooyoung picked up what was happening and sat up a bit more, moving Hongjoong's head to rest on his chest so he could feel his breathing. Hongjoong was thankful for the youngers help and synched his breathing up to the others. It helped him calm down a lot and after another 5 minutes of being cuddled between the two of them, the tears finally stopped, and he felt like a huge weight had been lifted of his shoulders.

"How are you feeling now," Seonghwa asked the Prince carefully. The smaller was no longer crying and seemed to be more relaxed and content than he was when he first came into the room, so he hoped that meant he was feeling better.

"Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders," Hongjoong said truthfully.

"I'm glad," Wooyoung said softly.

"I'm sorry for crying on you two, it's not very Prince-like," Hongjoong said with a sigh, feeling slightly embarrassed especially because it was in front of one of the youngest ones of their little group.

"We don't care at all. We want you to let out your emotions Hongjoong. You're the one who always told me when I was younger that it was good to have feelings, you just need to be around the right people. We're the right people," Wooyoung said with a firm nod. He won't let Hongjoong put himself down for having feelings, he needs to be told that it's ok because his father always says it's wrong.

"Thank you, Woo, it means a lot," Hongjoong said, smiling at the younger boy and ruffling his hair slightly. Wooyoung giggled slightly and turned his head quickly, capturing the Princes hand in his mouth, chomping down lightly. Hongjoong and Seonghwa both smiled fondly at the youngest in the room, Seonghwa chuckling as he bit into Hongjoong hand. Hongjoong glanced up at Seonghwa briefly, giving him a small smile. Wooyoung has a habit of biting things (or people) randomly, something he has rubbed off on San since the Knight met the servant.

"Alright you little piranha, I'm gonna need my hand back," Hongjoong said with a small chuckle. Wooyoung's eyes lit up and he quickly let go, preening internally at the knowledge that he managed to lighten Hongjoong's mood a bit more.

"Thank you for coming here to check on me. It's a risk, even with Yunho outside and it being me, and I appreciate you coming here. Tell Sangie that I'm ok and he doesn't need to worry," Hongjoong said, cupping the youngers cheek and squeezing gently.

"I will Joong, you just look after yourself and I hope whatever is bothering you, gets better," Wooyoung said. Hongjoong fought back a frown, not wanting the young, energetic boy to be concerned about something he can't change. Seonghwa glanced at Hongjoong but quickly gave a reassuring smile to Wooyoung, knowing it was useless to get him worried about something that is way over their heads.

"Thanks Wooyoung," Hongjoong said. Wooyoung gave him a small smile and nod before he got up and walked towards the doorway.

"Look after yourselves," he said quietly before he opened the door and slipped out. Yunho turned around and looked over at Wooyoung when he walked out of the Crown Prince's room.

"How's he doing," he asked quietly.

"Better now, and Seonghwa will look after him," Wooyoung said.

"Can you do me a favour Wooyoung," Yunho asked as Wooyoung went to leave. Wooyoung immediately stopped and nodded, furrowing his eyebrows in worry as he could tell how serious Yunho looked. He had his protective look on.

"What is it," Wooyoung asked.

"Stay with Yeosang tonight. In the morning when Jongho stops by, I want you to tell him to keep a close eye on Yeosang, even in the castle. Word has it, there's high tensions between us and Balhae, so I want to make sure the Prince's are always going to be safe," Yunho said with a sigh. Wooyoung got even more worried at the knowledge. If tensions are rising, it won't be long until a war breaks out and that won't end well.

"I will," he said nodding firmly. Yunho could tell the younger was worried and he felt bad for worrying him so much, but part of him thinks it would be good to have him on guard. It means he's less likely to get into any trouble. Wooyoung quickly walked off down the hall, heading towards Yeosang's room.

"Hongjoong, you need to get some sleep. You're no doubt going to have a long week," Seonghwa said softly. Hongjoong let out a breath and nodded, slipping underneath the covers and laying down.

"Can you stay here tonight please? Yunho will be outside the door all night, so you won't be in any danger," Hongjoong said quietly. Seonghwa's heart skipped a beat slightly, trying to hold back a blush at the thought of sleeping next to the Prince for the whole night.

"Of course your Highness," he said teasingly. Hongjoong frowned and rolled his eyes. Seonghwa chuckled and got up, walking around the room and blowing out all of the candles around the room, except for the two on either bedside. He remember Hongjoong once telling him that he liked to keep the bedside candles burning throughout the light so he isn't just bathed in darkness. He quickly walked over and went to climb onto the bed, but Hongjoong shook his head.

"Lay on the other side. If something happens, you'll have more protection further away from the door," Hongjoong said softly. If someone accidentally walked in, Hongjoong would be able to cover Seonghwa with the sheets, so he wouldn't be seen. Seonghwa nodded and quickly walked to the other side of the bed, slipping under the blanket and laying down beside Hongjoong who lowered the blankets over the top of him. Hongjoong quickly shuffled over and laid against Seonghwa who froze. He was unsure what to do now that the Prince was cuddled up against him. It's different from giving him a hug or consoling him, this is sleeping next to him for an entire night, something they haven't done since they were younger. Hongjoong frowned slightly, noticing how tense Seonghwa seemed. He propped himself up on his arms, looking down at Seonghwa below him.

"Star? Am I making you uncomfortable," he asked quietly. If he's forcing Seonghwa to sleep next to him because he thinks he can't say no, then he definitely doesn't want that. Seonghwa's eyes went wide and he quickly shook his head, not wanting Hongjoong to get the wrong idea.

"No, I just don't really know what to do," he admitted shyly. Hongjoong giggled, internally cooing at how cute the older boy was.

"You just hug me Star, it's not that hard," he chuckled. Seonghwa took a quick breath and quickly opened up his arms. Hongjoong smiled and quickly dropped down, making Seonghwa grunt slightly as Hongjoong landed right on top of him. Hongjoong burrowed down, resting his head on Seonghwa's chest and wrapping his arms around his waist. Seonghwa tried not to panic too much at having the Crown Prince so close to him. Hongjoong frowned before giggling slightly and raising his head a little to look at Seonghwa.

"You ok? Your heart is racing," he said quietly. Seonghwa nibbled his bottom lip nervously.

"I'm fine, I've just had an eventful day," he replied, hoping Hongjoong wouldn't call his bluff.

"Well calm down, you're fine here. I'm not gonna kill you or anything," Hongjoong said softly, rubbing his hand over Seonghwa's chest to try and sooth him. It had the opposite effect and Seonghwa quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it off his chest, trying to calm his heartbeat that had sped up once again. Hongjoong's hand was tiny, being fully encased in his own and he squeezed it gently.

"Says the person who had a sword to my throat earlier," he teased. Hongjoong whined and tucked his head under Seonghwa's chin, feeling guilty for his reaction earlier.

"I'm sorry. I would never have hurt you though Seonghwa," he said softly. Seonghwa smiled and hugged Hongjoong tighter, running his fingers through the smaller boy's hair.

"I know Joong. Just get some sleep," Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong nodded and the two of them cuddled closer to each other and closed their eyes.

~~~~~

Wooyoung quietly padded down the hall, knocking gently on Yeosang's door, trying not to accidentally gain any other attention. A few seconds later the door opened, a hand enclosing around his wrist as he was tugged inside and the door was closed.

"What are you doing here Wooyoung? I told you to tell me how he is in the morning, it's dangerous for you to be here right now," Yeosang said, looking over Wooyoung worriedly.

"I know. Yunho told me to stay here tonight. I need to talk to Jongho tomorrow," Wooyoung told him. Yeosang frowned nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Why'd he tell you to stay here," he asked the younger. Wooyoung frowned, unsure if he should tell Yeosang what Yunho told him, but he wants the Prince to be aware and safe.

"He said that people have been saying things are happening in Balhae. He wanted me to tell Jongho to keep a close eye on you because he's worried what might happen if they decide they want to make a move on Fantasia," Wooyoung said. Yeosang's stomach dropped and he glanced towards the doorway, instinctively grabbing Wooyoung's hand and pulling him a little closer. Wooyoung noticed Yeosang was getting worried and he quickly squeezed his hand.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to scare you, but I wanted you to know," Wooyoung said nervously. Yeosang frowned and pulled Wooyoung closer to his side, giving him a gentle side hug. He tried not to show the younger how worried he was. If Fantasia went to war with Balhae, then he would be a liability. He's not like his brother, he was never taught to fight and definitely isn't good at it. Hongjoong taught him how to shoot a bow and arrow, but he can't use a sword to save his life. That means it's on Jongho to protect him, and on Hongjoong who will always do everything he can to protect him. He's the weak link in the castle, someone who will be seen as valuable to the enemy, but realistically he doesn't know anything and his father doesn't care about him at all.

"Sangie," Wooyoung said softly, gaining his attention.

"It's ok, thank you for telling me. Let's get some sleep alright. I'll talk to Hongjoong in the next couple of days, whenever he isn't busy," Yeosang said softly.

"Are you sure you're alright," Wooyoung asked, moving his chin to rest on the Prince's shoulder.

"Positive. I just want to get some sleep now. You wanna sleep next to me," he asked softly. Wooyoung nodded quickly, much preferring to be on a bed, rather than sleeping on the floor, even though he knew Yeosang would never let him sleep on the floor.

"Grab the lock and put it on the door, just in case someone tries to come in tomorrow morning," Yeosang said, pointing to his bedside drawer. One of the Knights that they're close to, Mingi, designed a makeshift lock that they can put on the door so that they don't have to fear getting caught whenever they hang out together and to also add extra protection for Yeosang. Wooyoung quickly opened the door and pulled out the lock, before going to the door. He quickly clicked one side of the lock over the doorhandle and clipped the other side into the little nook that was in the wall beside the door.

"Come on, let's sleep," Yeosang said, sitting down on his bed and opening up his arms. Wooyoung quickly hurried over and crawled over to the bed, moving to the far side of the bed. Yeosang quickly went around and blew out all of the candle, only leaving one on the far end of the room burning. He quickly turned around and went over to the bed, slipping under the blanket resting his head on his pillow. Wooyoung did the same thing and the two of them turned so they were facing each other. Wooyoung frowned worriedly as he looked at his best friend. Yeosang was never tried in combat, he doesn't know how to protect himself.

"What's wrong," Yeosang asked quietly, noticing that Wooyoung was awfully quiet.

"I'm scared," he admitted sadly. Yeosang frowned worriedly, shuffling a bit closer to Wooyoung and grabbed his hand gently.

"You don't need to be scared Wooyoung. If anything happens, I'll make sure you're taken out of harms way and far away from all the fighting," Yeosang promised. Wooyoung is his best friend, and he's going to always make sure the younger boy is protected. Wooyoung sighed and shook his head at the Princes words.

"It's not me that I'm worried about Yeosang. I'm a low-life servant, no one is going to care about me. It's you that I'm worried about Sang," Wooyoung told him.

"I'm useless to my father Wooyoung. I don't know any secrets or anything that will benefit Balhae," Yeosang said, trying to reassure him.

"But they don't know that. You're a Prince, you're expected to know things. Or if not, you're still Hongjoong's brother and you're still a way to get to him. I'm worried about what will happen if Jongho isn't able to protect you," Wooyoung said. It's a valid fear and Wooyoung can't help but let his mind drift towards it.

"It's ok Youngie, he'll be there to protect me if something happens," Yeosang said softly.

"But what if he isn't Yeosang? Hongjoong is scared, he's worried. He was crying and I have no doubt that it's about this and he's scared for all of us. You were never taught how to use a sword or how to do hand to hand combat. You can't defend yourself if you're alone," Wooyoung said, trying hard not to cry but a few tears started to fall down. Yeosang's heart broke and he quickly reached out to wipe away the tears as they fell. Truthfully, finding out Hongjoong was crying is a shock to him because it takes a lot to get his big brother rattled, but he needs to reassure the young boy who needs the comfort.

"I'm going to be ok Wooyoung. We don't even know if anything is going to happen, so right now we should just let it go and not stress out too much," he said quickly.

"I'm just scared for you Yeo. You've given me so much in life and I love you like my own brother. You're my closest friend and I don't want anything to happen to you," Wooyoung said sadly. Without Yeosang, Wooyoung might not even be here today. His family were poor, barely even getting by and without this job, he would most likely be on the streets fighting to survive.

"I know you are Wooyoung, but we can't change anything. I love you as well, you're family to me, no matter what anyone says. We're gonna be ok, no matter what happens," Yeosang said firmly. Wooyoung sniffled and nodded, wiping his eyes quickly with his sleeve.

"Ok," he whispered.

"Let's go to bed now ok. How do you want to sleep," Yeosang asked softly.

"Can I please hug you," Wooyoung asked in a small voice.

"Of course. Back hug, or resting on me," Yeosang asked immediately.

"Back hug," Wooyoung said. Yeosang nodded and rolled over, allowing Wooyoung to cuddle up behind him, wrapping an arm around his waist and snuggling his head into the back of his neck. Wooyoung took a deep breath and relaxed, feeling slightly better having Yeosang close to him as it meant he was safe.

"It's going to be ok Youngie," Yeosang whispered. Wooyoung nodded and tightened his grip on the Prince, letting out a deep breath. Everything will be fine, there might not even be a war. Right?

A/N

Here is chapter 2 everyone, I hope you enjoyed reading it

This chapter showed a bit more of the relationships between some of the members, what do you guys think?

What things did you enjoy from this chapter? I'd love to know so I can try to include it more

Thank you for reading everyone and I hope you're all doing well